If an X-ray image appears too dark, what adjustment should be made?

When an X-ray image appears too dark, it indicates that there has been an overexposure to radiation. To correct this, the exposure time or the setting needs to be decreased. Decreasing the exposure time or adjusting the technique reduces the amount of radiation that reaches the film or sensor, leading to a lighter image. This improves the contrast and quality of the X-ray, making it easier to interpret the results.

Adjusting the exposure time is essential for achieving optimal image quality. If the exposure is excessive, it can result in loss of detail and potential obscuring of important diagnostic information. Therefore, a careful reduction in exposure time is a common practice for addressing dark images in X-ray imaging.

In contrast, other options like changing the film type or adding a filter might not directly address the issue of overexposure and instead may complicate the process of obtaining a clear image. It is crucial for radiographers to recognize the impacts of exposure settings on image quality to make informed adjustments.